Q: Fiscal cliff. Bloomberg interview Obama didn't answer about the rates going to the Bush levels or another level.

Carney: "The president has been absolutely clear ... that rates have to go up on top earners."

More: "We have yet to see even an acknowledgement from Republican leaders that there is no deal without rates going up on top earners."

More: "He doesn't hold that position because it's inherently good... he doesn't hold it because he wants to punish wealthy Americans." Carney says Obama holds that position because it is "mathematically sound."